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Description
24 x 18 pencil illustration by Murphy Elliott
A poem I wrote inspired by a very moving drawing by my friend Murphy Art Elliott who kindly allowed me to use it to illustrate my words
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Murphy’s websites
http://myfriendsandfans.ning.com/
http://www.redbubble.com/people/murphyelliott
Its in tribute to all those soldiers from the UK , US and other countries, who gave their lives in the fight for justice and freedom in Afghanistan.
STRENGTH AND HONOUR
Without a sound the soldier slowly knelt and bowed his head
Shoulders bravely bearing such burdens for what lay ahead
He cleared his mind of all the horrors of which he did dread
And gently clasping his weapon he softly whispered his quiet prayer
“Lord please care for my family in my home so far away
And take into your arms those who will die here this day
Let me stand steadfast and strong, true to my comrades in arms
Give us strength to fight enemies who want freedom taken away
Dear Lord grant me the grace to live and fight just another day”
Standing tall and steady and with steel in his eyes
He gripped his weapon and raised it to the skies
And with a clenched fist he shouted the soldier’s battle cry
Strength and Honour !!!
Jacquei essex © July 2009
Thank you Murphy for allowing me to use this wonderful, very moving drawing
jacquei
EPITOME OF A SOLDIER
There is no reason in the primitive essence of light
For all is quiet, no beast is in sight.
There is no life to be seen abroad
Except for the birds that hover above.
There is no society to scurry around.
Not even a green to be on the ground.
There is just silence and the echo of death
That comes from the shrill of a hallowing breath.
Neither is there security, nor place to be free,
Only a reminder of what could be.
And as the obstacle wanders along,
He sings a solemn patriotic song.
Fighting for life, for others, or not,
Sometimes remembered--sometimes forgot,
But always a hero, always a man
Who fought for a dying land.
by Janet Marston
copyright - all rights reserved.
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